African scientists slam GM food aid fears

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A group of African scientists have complained that the European Union (EU) has pressured African governments to reject genetically modified (GM) food aid, and criticised humanitarian groups for scare mongering.

The statement follows a European visit by the scientific delegation — led by Jocelyn Webster of AfricaBio and James Ochanda of the University of Kenya — which included attending an EU conference on agriculture in the developing world.

As well as saying that European trade policies hamper efforts by developing countries to use biotechnology, the scientists complain that groups such as Oxfam, Christian Aid and Save the Children have frightened African governments into rejecting food aid.